“Passionate hatred can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. Thus people haunted by the purposelessness of their lives try to find a new content not only by dedicating themselves to a holy cause but also by nursing a fanatical grievance. A mass movement offers them unlimited opportunities for both.”

Hoffer has a well manicured overview through adversity of life.
Influence upon the weakness of childhood or lack of self worth in a people/individual should be to nurture hope and pride, through work and rewarded skill. I can see why Hoffer would be drawn to Montaigne's work. " The art or technique of sharing hope, pride and as a last resort, hatred with others." Eric Hoffer, Understanding the international nature of diplomacy and influence. 

The many supporting patrons of the occupying statist theocracy infesting this land illuminate Hoffler's here statement as very accurate.

Because people's knowledge and consciousness vary, it is easier to rally against a common enemy than to convince people of one's ideology.  Wisdom is required of a people who wish to remain free — the Truth is the enemy of Power.  When secular superstition reigns, power is wielded by the masses against anyone who dares question the leftist dogma.  Bullying is their modus operandi.  Mob rule to tear it all down, because to create is harder.  Useful idiots.